You know you have several silver fillings in your mouth. Should they be replaced?  Or, are your silver fillings ok?

Below is a visual tutorial of a silver filling being replaced.

The arrow points to a missing piece of tooth.  Read more... (500 words, 6 images, estimated 2:00 mins reading time)

The tooth above doesn’t look all that bad; a small missing piece of tooth structure, the color of the tooth is a bit grey in some areas around the filling, and the filling is very tarnished. Neither you nor the dentist would even notice the missing tooth without using an intra-oral camera.

Definition: Periodontal or Gum Disease

Stages of Periodontal or Gum Disease

Your home care program and regular office visits can control periodontal/gum disease.

Healthy Gums

Here, gums have a healthy pink color. Gum line hugs the teeth tightly. There is no bleeding on healthy gums.	Healthy gum tissue.

Gingivitis

 Read more... (342 words, 7 images, estimated 1:22 mins reading time)

Protect Your Toddler; Stop Bottle Decay

Bottle Decay

 

Frequent exposure to sugary liquids causes “bottle decay” in your children’s teeth.  This doesn’t have to be juice with sugar added, but, milk, formula, soda, fruit juice, and pacifiers dipped in honey or sugar.  Sugar sustains plaque-producing bacteria, which allows the acid to attack the teeth and gums. Bottle decay often leads to early removal of your child’s teeth. This  may cause speech impediments, crooked teeth and damaged adult teeth. 

 Read more... (218 words, 1 image, estimated 52 secs reading time)

Reduce Cavities: Give your Children Fluoride

What does fluoride do for your teeth?

Why would you ever want fluoride for your children? It’s obvious to the dentist, who’s received fluoride and who hasn’t. How does he know? 

 

It’s the number of cavities you get. Optimum fluoride reduces cavities dramatically. 

What’s the right amount of fluoride?

Most children need fluoride supplements after six months old, to prevent cavities. If your city water has fluoride (greater than 0.6 ppm) and your children are drinking tap water, that’s all you need. Well water, filtered or bottled water, doesn’t generally contain adequate amounts of fluoride. Talk to your Pediatrician or Dentist about giving fluoride supplements. 

 Read more... (194 words, 1 image, estimated 47 secs reading time)

Caring For Your Babies Mouth and Teeth

Your Baby Has A Beautiful Smile ~ Keep It

When your baby’s first teeth come in, at around six months or so, they’ll need your tender care. What six month old is going to patiently “open wide” as you brush? Even baby teeth can get cavities, it’s important to care for them as soon as they erupt.

When you are bathing your baby, wrap a soft moist washcloth around your finger tip. Gently wash the teeth, inside and out with the cloth. This is a great way to prepare your little one for a toothbrush later on!

 Read more... (213 words, 1 image, estimated 51 secs reading time)